The Town Planners (Registration) Act.

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CHAPTER 426
THE TOWN PLANNERS (REGISTRATION) ACT
[PRINCIPAL LEGISLATION]
Arrangement of Sections
Section Title
PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. Short title.
2. Interpretation.
PART II
POLICY FRAMEWORK
3. Fundamental principles of town planning.
PART III
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TOWN PLANNERS REGISTRATION BOARD
4. Establishment of Board.
5. Functions of Board.
6. Limitation of liability of members.
PART IV
REGISTRAR, REGISTRATION AND REGISTER OF TOWN PLANNERS
7. Appointment of Registrar.
8. Register of town planners.
9. Publication of Register and lists.
10. Publication prima facie evidence of registration.
11. Categories of town planners.
12. Qualifications for registration of town planners.
13. Registration of consulting town planner.
14. Registration of full registered town planner.
15. Registration of graduate town planner.
16. Registration of technician town planner.
17. Temporary registration.
18. Repealed.
19. Registrar may call for information.

graduate town planner.
16. Registration of technician town planner.
17. Temporary registration.
18. Repealed.
19. Registrar may call for information.

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THE TOWN PLANNERS (REGISTRATION) ACT [CAP. 426 R.E. 2023]
PART V
CANCELLATION AND SUSPENSION OF REGISTRATION
20. Power to delete from and correct Register.
21. Restoration of name in Register.
22. Powers to suspend registration, etc.
23. Proceedings at inquiry.
24. Disobedience of summons and refusal to give evidence.
25. Appeals.
PART VI
RESTRICTION ON PRACTISING AS TOWN PLANNER
26. Effect of Registration.
27. Restriction on use of title.
28. Bodies of persons operating as registered town planner.
29. Practising as town Planner.
30. Registration of town planning projects.
31. Offences relating to registration.
32. Power to issue stop order.
PART VII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
33. Sources of funds.
34. Accounts, auditing and reports.
35. Rules.
36. Validity of proceedings of Board.
37. Omitted.
38. Minister may make regulations.
SCHEDULE

f funds.
34. Accounts, auditing and reports.
35. Rules.
36. Validity of proceedings of Board.
37. Omitted.
38. Minister may make regulations.
SCHEDULE

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PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. This Act may be cited as the Town Planners (Registration)
Act. 2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires-
“Act” means the Town Planners (Registration) Act;
“Board” means the Town Planners Registration Board
established under section 4;
“a foreign firm” means a firm whose majority shares are
owned by non-citizens;
“Minister” means the Minister responsible for land use
planning;
“Register” means the Register established under section 8;
“Registrar” means the Registrar of town planners appointed
under section 7;
“stop order” means an order issued by the Board under this
Act;
“town planning” means the planning for management of
change in the built form and natural environment to
Short title
Interpretation
Act No. 13 of 2017 s. 24
CHAPTER 426
THE TOWN PLANNERS (REGISTRATION) ACT
An Act to provide for the registration of town planners, the establishment
of the Town Planners Registration Board, regulation of the standard,
conduct and activities of town planners and to provide for matters
connected therewith.

Town Planners Registration Board, regulation of the standard,
conduct and activities of town planners and to provide for matters
connected therewith.

[1st May, 2008]
[GN. No. 91 of 2008]
Acts Nos. 7 of 2007
13 of 2017
12 of 2023
GN. No. 400 of 2009

[1st May, 2008]
[GN. No. 91 of 2008]
Acts Nos. 7 of 2007
13 of 2017
12 of 2023
GN. No. 400 of 2009

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THE TOWN PLANNERS (REGISTRATION) ACT [CAP. 426 R.E. 2023]
enhance efficiency and sustainable utilisation of resources
for social and economic development trend in a given
human settlement, taking into account equitable and
collective interest;
“town planner” means a person registered under this Act to
undertake town planning; and
“town planning practice” includes-
(a) preparation of General Planning Schemes including
Metropolitan Plans, Master Plans, Strategic Urban
Development Plans and Interim Land Use Plans;
(b) preparation of Regional and District Physical
Development plans and Village Land Use plans;
(c) preparation of detailed plans for redevelopment or
renewal, regularization, institutional management
plans, neighborhood unit plans and any other site
plans;
(d) preparation of national or regional policies and
strategies pertaining to planning and housing; and
(e) preparation of various technical guidelines to guide
development. PART II
POLICY FRAMEWORK
3.

d
strategies pertaining to planning and housing; and
(e) preparation of various technical guidelines to guide
development. PART II
POLICY FRAMEWORK
3.

With a view to giving effect to the fundamental principles
of the National Land Policy and the Human Settlements
Development Policy, all persons and authorities exercising
powers, applying or interpreting the provisions of this Act
shall be under the duty to-
(a) make serviced land available for shelter and human
settlements development in general to all sections
of community including women, youth, the elderly,
disabled and disadvantaged;
(b) improve the level of the provision of infrastructure
and social services for sustainable human settlements
development;
Fundamental
principles of town
planning

he level of the provision of infrastructure
and social services for sustainable human settlements
development;
Fundamental
principles of town
planning

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THE TOWN PLANNERS (REGISTRATION) ACT [CAP. 426 R.E.

ghts reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.641
THE TOWN PLANNERS (REGISTRATION) ACT [CAP. 426 R.E.

2023]
(c) facilitate the creation of employment opportunities
and eradication of poverty;
(d) promote a balanced development of a clearly defined
hierarchy of settlements in promoting human
settlements development;
(e) promote and include the participation of the private
and popular sectors, such as Community Based
Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations, Co-
operatives and Communities in land use planning;
(f) protect the environment of human settlements and
of ecosystems from pollution, degradation and
destruction in order to attain sustainable development;
(g) promote the building of capacities in training and
retraining of professionals in fields related to land use
planning;
(h) promote capacity building in technical, financial and
managerial skill of all actors in land use planning;
(i) ensure enforcement of planning legislation, building
regulations, standards and other controls are consistent
with the capabilities, needs and aspirations of the
various sections of the population; and
(j) protect professional town planners technical matters
against arbitrary and discretionary decisions, orders
and interference by public officials.

d
(j) protect professional town planners technical matters
against arbitrary and discretionary decisions, orders
and interference by public officials.

PART III
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TOWN
PLANNERS REGISTRATION BOARD
4.–(1) There is hereby established a Board to be known as the
Town Planners Registration Board which shall be responsible
for regulating the activities and conduct of town planners in
accordance with the functions and powers conferred upon it
by this Act. (2) The Board shall be a body corporate and shall-
(a) have perpetual succession and common seal;
Establishment of
Board
Act No. 13 of 2017 s. 25

Act. (2) The Board shall be a body corporate and shall-
(a) have perpetual succession and common seal;
Establishment of
Board
Act No. 13 of 2017 s. 25

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THE TOWN PLANNERS (REGISTRATION) ACT [CAP. 426 R.E. 2023]
(b) in its corporate name be capable of-
(i) suing and being sued;
(ii) acquiring, holding and disposing of movable and
immovable property; and
(iii) entering into Contracts or other transactions
and doing all other acts and things which a body
corporate may lawfully perform;
(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the
Attorney General shall have the right to intervene in any suit
or matter instituted by, or against the Board. (4) Where the Attorney General intervenes in any matter in
pursuance of subsection (2), the provisions of the Government
Proceedings Act shall apply in relation to the proceedings of
that suit or matter as if it had been instituted by, or against the
Government. (5) For the purpose of subsections (3) and (4), the Board
shall have a duty to notify the Attorney General of any
impending suit or intention to institute a suit or matter by, or
against the Board.

the Board
shall have a duty to notify the Attorney General of any
impending suit or intention to institute a suit or matter by, or
against the Board.

(6) The provisions of the First Schedule shall have effect as
to the constitution and the proceedings of Board. (7) The Minister may amend the Schedule to this Act. 5. The functions of the Board shall be to-
(a) establish a system for registration of town planners;
(b) provide for a system of nurturing competence,
knowledge, professional conduct, consistency, integrity
and ethics in town planning;
(c) promote transparency and certainty in the planning
process;
(d) register persons qualified for registration as town
planners in accordance with the provisions of this Act;
(e) promote interest in, evaluate activities and advancement
of the profession of town planning;
(f) provide opportunities or facilities for the study of,
and training in town planning, and to promote the
Cap. 5
Functions of
Board

f town planning;
(f) provide opportunities or facilities for the study of,
and training in town planning, and to promote the
Cap. 5
Functions of
Board

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THE TOWN PLANNERS (REGISTRATION) ACT [CAP. 426 R.E. 2023]
development of research and the application of
technical information relating to town planning;
(g) enquire into the professional misconduct of a member
and institute disciplinary proceedings in accordance
with the provisions of this Act;
(h) foster co-operation among registered town planners
and between the Board and other institutions or
organisations, nationally or internationally concerned
with environmental planning and management of
sustainable development;
(i) provide to the Government and other national
institutions, technical advice on matters relating to
town planning;
(j) assist members of the public in matters relating to
the practice of the profession of town planning and
management of sustainable exploitation of natural
resource; and
(k) carry out such other functions as may be conferred
upon the Board by any written law or as are incidental
to the performance of its functions. 6.

(k) carry out such other functions as may be conferred
upon the Board by any written law or as are incidental
to the performance of its functions. 6.

A member of the Board shall not be personally liable for
any act or omission of the Board done or omitted to be done
in good faith in the course of carrying out the responsibilities
and functions of, or exercising the powers conferred upon the
Board under this Act. PART IV
REGISTRAR, REGISTRATION AND
REGISTER OF TOWN PLANNERS
7.–(1) The Minister shall appoint an experienced town planner
who is a public officer to be the Registrar of town planners. (2) The Registrar shall hold office for three years which may
be renewable for another three years. Limitation
of liability of
members
Appointment of
Registrar
Act No. 13 of 2017 s. 26

e for three years which may
be renewable for another three years. Limitation
of liability of
members
Appointment of
Registrar
Act No. 13 of 2017 s. 26

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THE TOWN PLANNERS (REGISTRATION) ACT [CAP. 426 R.E. 2023]
(3) The Registrar shall be the accounting officer and
Secretary of the Board. (4) Without prejudice to subsection (3), the functions of the
Registrar shall be to-
(a) plan, manage, monitor and implement the programs
and policies of the Board;
(b) prepare draft policies and programs on the professional
development of town planners for approval by the
Board;
(c) prepare budgets for approval by the Board;
(d) prepare and submit to the Board reports on the
activities and audited accounts of the Board;
(e) liaise with other relevant Bodies for the purposes
of providing strategic advice on the professional
development of town planners;
(f) facilitate the meetings of the Board; and
(g) perform any other duties relating to the objectives and
functions of the Board that may be entrusted upon him
by the Board. (5) In the performance of his functions under this Act, the
Registrar shall be answerable to the Board.

d that may be entrusted upon him
by the Board. (5) In the performance of his functions under this Act, the
Registrar shall be answerable to the Board.

8.–(1) The Registrar shall keep and maintain a Register of
town planners into which shall be entered particulars showing
against each name-
(a) the date of entry;
(b) the name;
(c) postal and physical address, e-mail or website;
(d) the class registered in; and
(e) the qualifications and skills as prescribed by the Board. (2) Application Forms for Registration, Practicing Licence,
Certificates of Registration and Register of Town Planners
shall be as prescribed in the Regulations. (3) Any change in any of the particulars entered in the
Register, shall be entered accurately in the Register by the
Registrar. Register of town
planners
Act No. 13 of 2017 s. 27

particulars entered in the
Register, shall be entered accurately in the Register by the
Registrar. Register of town
planners
Act No. 13 of 2017 s. 27

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THE TOWN PLANNERS (REGISTRATION) ACT [CAP. 426 R.E. 2023]
9.–(1) The Registrar shall, by notice published in the Gazette,
as soon as may be practicable following registration, publish
the names, postal addresses, premises, registration number,
type, category, class and qualifications of each town planner. (2) Subject to direction of the Board, the Registrar may
publish in the Gazette any amendment to or deletion of the
name of a town planner from the Register. (3) The Registrar shall, by notice published in the Gazette, in
the month of January in each year, publish a list containing the
names, postal address, premises, registration number, type and
category of all registered town planners remaining in the Register
as on the thirty first day of December of the previous year. 10.–(1) A publication of names, shall be prima facie evidence
that a person whose name appears in the Register is so
registered.

of the previous year. 10.–(1) A publication of names, shall be prima facie evidence
that a person whose name appears in the Register is so
registered.

(2) The Register, lists and all copies or extracts from them
which have been duly certified by the Registrar shall be
accepted in all courts and tribunals or other bodies authorised
to receive evidence of the facts stated therein. (3) A person may inspect the Register and any document
relating to an entry in the Register and may obtain from the
Registrar a copy or an extract from the Register on payment of
a prescribed fee. 11. Registration of town planners shall be based on the
following categories:
(a) consulting town planners;
(b) fully registered town planners;
(c) graduate town planners;
(d) technician town planners. [s.10A]
12.–(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, a person shall
be eligible for registration as a town planner on making an
application to the Board in the prescribed manner and upon
payment of the prescribed fees. Publication of
Register and lists
Publication
prima facie
evidence of
registration
Categories of
town planners
Act No
12 of 2023 s. 69
Qualifications for
registration of
town planners
Act No. 12 of 2023 s. 70

evidence of
registration
Categories of
town planners
Act No
12 of 2023 s. 69
Qualifications for
registration of
town planners
Act No. 12 of 2023 s. 70

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THE TOWN PLANNERS (REGISTRATION) ACT [CAP. 426 R.E. 2023]
(a) possess at least a first degree in a relevant discipline
or its equivalent from a recognised university or
institution of higher learning;
(b) has had not less than four years practical experience as
a town planner;
(c) he has the minimum technical qualifications and skills
prescribed by the Board;
(d) he has the necessary experience prescribed by the
Board in town planning; and
(e) his professional and general conduct has been such as,
in the opinion of the Board, fit and proper person to be
registered. (2) The Board may refuse application for registration of a
town planner if in its opinion, that the applicant does not meet
conditions stipulated under this Act. (3) Upon registration, the person shall be issued with a
certificate of registration indicating the registration number,
type, category, class, date of registration and the duration of
the certificate.

ith a
certificate of registration indicating the registration number,
type, category, class, date of registration and the duration of
the certificate.

(4) The certificate issued under subsection (2), shall be the
property of the Board and shall be withdrawn and returned to
the Board upon suspension or cancellation of the certificate. [s.11]
13. A person may be registered as a consulting town planner
after satisfying the Board that he-
(a) is a citizen of Tanzania ;
(b) has a practical experience as a fully registered town
planner for a period of not less than ten years;
(c) has proven integrity and professionalism;
(d) has not been convicted with fraud, tax evasion and
other misconducts; and
(e) has accumulated a required number of points from
continuous professional development as may be
prescribed in the regulations. [s.11A]
Registration of
consulting town
planner
Act No
12 of 2023 s.71

om
continuous professional development as may be
prescribed in the regulations. [s.11A]
Registration of
consulting town
planner
Act No
12 of 2023 s.71

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THE TOWN PLANNERS (REGISTRATION) ACT [CAP. 426 R.E. 2023]
14. A person may be registered town planner after satisfying
the Board that he-
(a) is a citizen of Tanzania;
(b) has a first degree in town planning or its equivalent
from recognised higher learning institution;
(c) has a practical experience of not less than three years
under supervision of a fully registered town planner;
(d) has accumulated a required number of points from
continuous professional development as may be
prescribed in regulations;
(e) has not been convicted of fraud, tax evasion and other
misconduct; and
(f) has passed an examination set by the Board. [s.11B]
15.–(1) A person may be registered as a graduate town planner
after satisfying the Board that he-
(a) is a citizen of Tanzania;
(b) has a first degree in a town planning or its equivalent
from a recognised higher learning institution; and
(c) has complied with any additional requirements as may
be specified by the Board.

its equivalent
from a recognised higher learning institution; and
(c) has complied with any additional requirements as may
be specified by the Board.

(2) A person registered under this section shall work under
supervision of a fully registered town planner. [s.11C]
16. A person may be registered as technician town planner
after satisfying the Board that he-
(a) is a citizen of Tanzania;
(b) has attended training in town planning and been
awarded National Technical level 6, Diploma or Full
Technician Certificate; and
(c) Has passed an examination set by the Board. [s.11D]
17.–(1) Where a person satisfies the Board that-
(a) the principal office of a firm to which he is employed is
not in Tanzania;
Registration of
full registered
Town planner
Act No
12 of 2023 s. 71
Registration of
Graduate town
planner
Act No
12 of 2023 s. 71
Registration of
technician town
planner
Act No
12 of 2023 s. 71
Temporary
Registration
Act No. 12 of 2023 s. 72

e town
planner
Act No
12 of 2023 s. 71
Registration of
technician town
planner
Act No
12 of 2023 s. 71
Temporary
Registration
Act No. 12 of 2023 s. 72

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THE TOWN PLANNERS (REGISTRATION) ACT [CAP. 426 R.E. 2023]
(b) he intends to be present in Tanzania in the capacity of
undertaking town planning for the express purpose of
carrying out a specific contract for which the firm has
been contracted and in respect of which registration is
being sought; and
(c) he has expertise and skills which qualifies him to be a
full registered town planner in Tanzania,
the Board may temporarily register that person as a term
planner for the duration of the specific assignment in
Tanzania. (2) An application for registration under this section, shall
be in the prescribed form, accompanied by the prescribed
fee, and the Board may require an applicant to appear before
it for the purposes of producing documentary evidence of
competence in undertaking town planning immediately prior
to entry in Tanzania.

appear before
it for the purposes of producing documentary evidence of
competence in undertaking town planning immediately prior
to entry in Tanzania.

(3) Registration of a town planner under this section,
shall entitle that town planner to undertake work only for the
duration or the period of contracted work which is directed by
the Board in subsection (1) and on the expiration of the period
of the contracted work, that firm shall cease to have been so
registered, and shall return the registration certificate to the
Board. (4) In case of doubt, the decision of the Board as to the
completion of the specific assignment shall be conclusive. (5) During the duration or the period of the contracted
work as is directed by the Board under subsection (1), and in
relation to things done by a town planner in the course of the
contracted work, be treated as being duly registered under this
Act as a bona fide town planner but in relation to other matters
shall be treated as not so registered. [s. 12]
18. [Repealed by Act 12 of 2023 s.74]
[s. 13]
Repealed

de town planner but in relation to other matters
shall be treated as not so registered. [s. 12]
18. [Repealed by Act 12 of 2023 s.74]
[s. 13]
Repealed

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THE TOWN PLANNERS (REGISTRATION) ACT [CAP. 426 R.E. 2023]
19. The Registrar may on his own motion or upon instruction
by the Board, requests a town planner to furnish any such
information relating to practicing as a town planner. [s. 14]
PART V
CANCELLATION AND SUSPENSION
OF REGISTRATION
20.–(1) The Board may direct that the name of a town planner
be deleted from the Register where such person has-
(a) died;
(b) failed to pay the prescribed fee;
(c) failed, within a period of twelve months from the date
of registration, to notify the Registrar of his current
address;
(d) requested that his name be deleted from the Register;
(e) been found guilty of misconduct;
(f) had lost qualification in respect of which he was
registered;
(g) been adjudged bankrupt; or
(h) been placed under receivership or liquidation
voluntarily for purpose of deceiving creditors. (2) The Registrar shall delete from the Register any entry
which has been mistakenly or fraudulently entered.

rily for purpose of deceiving creditors. (2) The Registrar shall delete from the Register any entry
which has been mistakenly or fraudulently entered.

(3) The Registrar shall in writing notify a person whose
name has been deleted from the Register. (4) A person whose name has been deleted from the Register
shall, upon notification, immediately cease from practising as
a town planner. [s. 15]
21.–(1) Where a name has been deleted from the Register that
name shall not be restored in the Register except by direction
of the Board. Registrar may call
for information
Power to delete
from and correct
Register
Restoration of
name in Register

egister except by direction
of the Board. Registrar may call
for information
Power to delete
from and correct
Register
Restoration of
name in Register

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THE TOWN PLANNERS (REGISTRATION) ACT [CAP. 426 R.E. 2023]
(2) Where a name has been deleted or the effect of the
registration has been suspended, the Board may, either of its
own motion or on the application of the person concerned,
direct that the-
(a) deletion be confirmed;
(b) name of the person be restored to the Register; or
(c) suspension of the effect of registration be terminated. (3) A direction given by the Board under subsection (2)
may include provision for the date upon which restoration to
the Register or the termination of suspension of the effect of
registration shall take effect and for the payment by the person
concerned of a fee as the Board may determine. [s.

ion of suspension of the effect of
registration shall take effect and for the payment by the person
concerned of a fee as the Board may determine. [s.

16]
22.–(1) Where a town planner is convicted of an offence
against this Act or is, after the inquiry found to be guilty of an
act or omission amounting to improper or disgraceful conduct
in professional respect, the Board may-
(a) caution or censure the town planner;
(b) direct that, during such period as the Board may specify,
the registration of the name of that town planner shall
not have effect; or
(c) direct that the name of a town planner be deleted from
the Register. (2) The Registrar may cause to be published in the local
newspaper widely circulating in Tanzania, the name, address
and qualification of a person whose name has been deleted
from the Register. [s. 17]
23.–(1) A person whose conduct is being inquired into shall be
entitled to appear and to be heard. (2) For the purpose of proceedings during the inquiry the
Board shall, have power to-
(a) administer oaths;
(b) summon persons to attend and give evidence; and
(c) order production of documents. Powers to
suspend
registration, etc. Proceedings at
inquiry

hs;
(b) summon persons to attend and give evidence; and
(c) order production of documents. Powers to
suspend
registration, etc. Proceedings at
inquiry

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THE TOWN PLANNERS (REGISTRATION) ACT [CAP. 426 R.E. 2023]
(3) All summonses and orders issued under the hand of the
Chairman or the Vice-Chairman of the Board shall be deemed
to have been issued by the Board. (4) The Chairman, or in his absence the Vice-Chairman
shall record or cause to be recorded a summary of any oral
evidence given at an inquiry. (5) The Board shall, in not less than twenty one days prior
to the date of the inquiry, notify the person against whom
inquiry is to be held. [s.

iry. (5) The Board shall, in not less than twenty one days prior
to the date of the inquiry, notify the person against whom
inquiry is to be held. [s.

18]
24.–(1) A person upon whom a summons or an order issued
under the provisions of section 23 has been served-
(a) refuses or omits without sufficient cause to attend at
the time and place mentioned in the summons;
(b) refuses without sufficient cause to answer fully and
satisfactorily to the best of his knowledge and belief
any question asked by or with the concurrence of the
Board; or
(c) refuses or omits without sufficient cause to produce
any documents in possession or under his control,
commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine not
exceeding one hundred thousand shillings, or to imprisonment
for a term not exceeding three months or to both. (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1), a
person giving evidence before the Board shall, in respect of any
evidence given, be entitled to all privileges to which a witness
before the High Court is entitled. [s. 19]
25. A person who is aggrieved by a decision of the Board to-
(a) refuse to register his name;
(b) delete his name from the Register, or
(c) refuse to restore his name or to suspend the effect of
registration,
may appeal to the High Court. [s.

;
(b) delete his name from the Register, or
(c) refuse to restore his name or to suspend the effect of
registration,
may appeal to the High Court. [s.

20]
Disobedience of
summons and
refusal to give
evidence
Appeals

20]
Disobedience of
summons and
refusal to give
evidence
Appeals

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THE TOWN PLANNERS (REGISTRATION) ACT [CAP. 426 R.E. 2023]
PART VI
RESTRICTION ON PRACTISING
AS TOWN PLANNER
26. A person registered as a town planner shall be entitled to
offer service to the public for gain, reward or by way of trade. [s. 21]
27. A person who is not a registered town planner and who-
(a) practises as a town planner;
(b) uses the style or title “Registered Town Planner” or
any other name, style, title or description implying,
whether in itself or in the circumstance in which it is
used that such person is a town planner; and
(c) holds himself out, whether directly or by implication,
to be a town planner,
commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a
fine not less than five million shillings but not exceeding ten
million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not less than
one year but not exceeding three years, or to both. [s.

shillings but not exceeding ten
million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not less than
one year but not exceeding three years, or to both. [s.

22]
28.–(1) A body whether corporate or otherwise shall not carry
out business or practice as a town planner unless it is registered
in accordance with this Act and at least two of its partners,
members or shareholders are persons registered under this
Act. (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1), where
a shareholder, partner or member registered under this Act,
dies or ceases to be registered as such, that body corporate or
incorporated may continue to carry on business or practice
until such time as administration of the estate of the deceased
is completed, as if legal representatives were registered town
planners. Effect of
Registration
Restriction on use
of title
Act No. 13 of 2017 s. 28
Bodies of persons
operating as
registered town
planner
Act No. 13 of 2017 s. 29

t of
Registration
Restriction on use
of title
Act No. 13 of 2017 s. 28
Bodies of persons
operating as
registered town
planner
Act No. 13 of 2017 s. 29

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.653
THE TOWN PLANNERS (REGISTRATION) ACT [CAP. 426 R.E. 2023]
(3) This Act shall not be construed as entitling any body
of persons whether corporate or otherwise, to be registered as
town planner. (4) Any body or body of persons who carry out practice
as town planner in contravention of this section, commits an
offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine not less than
two million shillings but not exceeding five million shillings
or imprisonment for a term not less than three years but not
more than six years, or to both. [s. 23]
29. For the purpose of this Act, a person shall be deemed to be
carrying out business or practicing as a town planner if, for a
fee, reward or other valuable consideration that person offers
or renders services as a town planner to any person, whether
or not under a contract. [s. 24]
30.-(1) A town planner or town planning firm shall upon
payment of prescribed fees and before undertaking any town
planning project register such project to the board.

anner or town planning firm shall upon
payment of prescribed fees and before undertaking any town
planning project register such project to the board.

(2) Subject to subsection (1), the nature, size or threshold
of the project to be registered shall be prescribed in the
regulations. (3) The registrar shall keep a register of town planning
projects registered under subsection (1). [s.24A]
31. A person who-
(a) fraudulently makes, or causes or permits to be made
any false or incorrect entry in the Register;
(b) fails to pay prescribed fees;
(c) fraudulently procures, or attempts to procure whether
for him or for another person, registration as a town
planner; or
(d) knowingly or willfully makes any statement which is
false in a material particular, or which is misleading,
Practising as
town Planner
Registration of
town planning
projects
Act No
12 of 2023 s. 74
Offences relating
to registration
Act No. 13 of 2017 s. 30

,
Practising as
town Planner
Registration of
town planning
projects
Act No
12 of 2023 s. 74
Offences relating
to registration
Act No. 13 of 2017 s. 30

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.654
THE TOWN PLANNERS (REGISTRATION) ACT [CAP. 426 R.E. 2023]
with a view to gaining any advantage, concession or
privilege under this Act,
commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a
fine not less than two million shillings but not exceeding five
million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not less than
one year and not exceeding three years, or to both. [s. 25]
32.–(1) Where any person or firm which is not registered
under this Act undertakes town planning works or carries
out any town planning work in contravention of this Act, the
Board may issue a stop order or take other legal action. (2) A person who fails to comply with the requirements of
the stop order issued under subsection (1), commits an offence
and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine of not less than three
million shillings and not exceeding five million shillings and
in case of a continuing offence to a fine of three hundred and
fifty thousand shillings for every day during which the offence
continues after conviction.

ase of a continuing offence to a fine of three hundred and
fifty thousand shillings for every day during which the offence
continues after conviction.

(3) The stop order issued under this section shall be served
through the registered address at the principal office of the
party in breach. (4) A person who refuses service of a stop order issued
under this section, commits an offence and on conviction
shall be liable to a fine of five million shillings or to an amount
equivalent to two percent of the town planning work, whichever
is greater, or to twelve months imprisonment, or to both. (5) Notwithstanding subsections (3) and (4), where an
offence under this section is committed by a firm, that firm on
conviction shall be liable to a fine of not less than five million
shillings but not exceeding ten million shillings and in case
of a continuing offence to a fine of five hundred thousand
shillings for every day during which the offence continues after
conviction. [s. 25A]
Power to issue
stop order
Act No. 13 of 2017 s. 31

dred thousand
shillings for every day during which the offence continues after
conviction. [s. 25A]
Power to issue
stop order
Act No. 13 of 2017 s. 31

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.655
THE TOWN PLANNERS (REGISTRATION) ACT [CAP. 426 R.E. 2023]
PART VII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
33. The sources of funds of the Board shall consist of-
(a) such sum as may be appropriated by Parliament;
(b) any sum which the Board may receive by way of grant
from the Government or loan;
(c) any sum which the Board may borrow for the purposes
of the Board; and
(d) any sum which may, in any manner, become payable
to or vested in the Board either under the provisions of
this Act or any other written law. [s. 26]
34.–(1) The Board shall cause to be kept proper books of
accounts and, shall as soon as practicable, after the end of each
financial year, audit the accounts relating to that financial year.

proper books of
accounts and, shall as soon as practicable, after the end of each
financial year, audit the accounts relating to that financial year.

(2) The Board shall within five months after the close of the
financial year, cause to be prepared and submit to the Minister
a report dealing generally with the activities and operation of
the Board during that year and accompanied by-
(a) a copy of the audited accounts of the Board;
(b) a copy of the auditor’s report on the accounts; and
(c) any other information which the Minister may direct. (3) The Minister shall within not more than three months,
after receiving the accounts and reports, lay them before the
National Assembly. [s. 27]
35.–(1) The Board may with approval of the Minister, make
rules for the following matters:
(a) to regulate the standards of professional conduct of
town planners; and
(b) to prescribe fees for application, registration, annual
subscription, the issue of certificates of registration,
extracts from the Register or copies of the list or in
relation to entries in the Register. Sources of funds
Accounts,
auditing and
reports
Rules

ion,
extracts from the Register or copies of the list or in
relation to entries in the Register. Sources of funds
Accounts,
auditing and
reports
Rules

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.656
THE TOWN PLANNERS (REGISTRATION) ACT [CAP. 426 R.E. 2023]
(2) Rules made under this section shall be published in the
Gazette and at least any other two local newspapers circulating
widely in Tanzania. [s. 28]
36. An act or proceeding of the Board shall not be invalid by
reason only of the number of the members not being complete
at the time of such act, or proceedings, or of any defect in the
appointment of any member, or of the fact that any member
was at the time in question disqualified or disentitled to act as
such. [s. 29]
37. [Omitted]. [s. 30]
38.–(1) The Minister may make regulations generally for the
better carrying out of the purposes of this Act.

t as
such. [s. 29]
37. [Omitted]. [s. 30]
38.–(1) The Minister may make regulations generally for the
better carrying out of the purposes of this Act.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1),
the regulations may provide for-
(a) the conduct of inquiry under this Act;
(b) fees payable and forms in respect of application for
registration and licencing under this Act;
(c) fees to be paid for inspection of the Register;
(d) procedures for application to be registered as town
planner;
(e) town planning activities to be carried out by each
category of registered town planner;
(f) exemption of any person or class or persons from all or
any of the provisions of this Act; and
(g) anything which is permitted or required by this Act to
be prescribed. [s. 31]
Validity of
proceedings of
Board
Omitted
Minister may
make regulations
Acts Nos. 13 of 2017 s. 32
12 of 2023 s.75

y this Act to
be prescribed. [s. 31]
Validity of
proceedings of
Board
Omitted
Minister may
make regulations
Acts Nos. 13 of 2017 s. 32
12 of 2023 s.75

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.657
THE TOWN PLANNERS (REGISTRATION) ACT [CAP. 426 R.E. 2023]
FIRST SCHEDULE
(Made under section 4(1))
COMPOSITION AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD
1. The Board shall consist of eight members appointed by the Minister
as follows:
(a) a Chairman who shall be a distinguished, eminent and
experienced town planner in public or private sector;
(b) one person who is a public officer and a member of a
registered association of town planners;
(c) one person appointed from among persons engaged in
private practice as registered town planner;
(d) a State Attorney from the Office of the Attorney General;
(e) one qualified human resource officer nominated from the
Ministry responsible for public service;
(f) an accountant specialised in finance nominated by the
National Board of Accountants and Auditors
(g) one qualified human resource officer nominated from the
Ministry responsible for public service;
(h) two persons from institutions of higher learning being
members of the a registered association of town planners.

y responsible for public service;
(h) two persons from institutions of higher learning being
members of the a registered association of town planners.

2.–(1) A member of the Board shall hold office for a period of three
years and be eligible for re-appointment for a second term. (2) The office of a member appointed under paragraph I shall
become vacant-
(a) if he ceases for any reason to be a member of a registered
association of town planners;
(b) if he ceases to hold the office upon which he was appointed
to be a member;
(c) at the end of three years from the date of his appointment; or
(d) upon death. (3) Any casual vacancy shall be filled by the Minister by appointment. 3. The Board shall elect one of its members to be the Vice-Chairman. 4.–(1) The Board shall convene an ordinary meeting when it deems
necessary or expedient, not less than two times in every year and shall
appoint a suitable time, place and date for holding such meeting. (2) The Chairman may at any time on his own initiative convene a
special meeting of the Board or shall convene a special meeting of the
Board within twenty days after he has received a written request to do
so signed by not less than four members of the Board.

a special meeting of the
Board within twenty days after he has received a written request to do
so signed by not less than four members of the Board.

(3) The Chairman, or when absent, the Vice-Chairman shall preside
at the meetings of the Board and in the absence of both the Chairman
Act No
12 of 2023 s. 76
Membership of
Board
Tenure of office
Chairman and
Vice-chairman
Meetings of
Board

oard and in the absence of both the Chairman
Act No
12 of 2023 s. 76
Membership of
Board
Tenure of office
Chairman and
Vice-chairman
Meetings of
Board

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.658
THE TOWN PLANNERS (REGISTRATION) ACT [CAP. 426 R.E. 2023]
and Vice-chairman the members present at the meeting shall elect one
of the number to be their Vice-Chairman of the meeting. 5.–(1) A simple majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a
quorum at any meeting of the Board. (2) All matters for consideration by the Board or acts to be done by
the Board shall be decided by a resolution at a meeting of the Board at
which a quorum is present. (3) A decision of the majority of members present and voting at a
meeting of the board shall be deemed to be a decision of the Board. (4) Every member of the Board shall have one vote, and in the event
of an equality of votes, the Chairman shall have a second or casting vote
in addition to the deliberative vote.

shall have one vote, and in the event
of an equality of votes, the Chairman shall have a second or casting vote
in addition to the deliberative vote.

(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-paragraph (2), where the
Chairman so directs, a decision may be made by the Board without
the Board meeting by circulation of the relevant papers among all the
members and requiring each member to express views in writing; but,
any member may require that a decision to be deferred for consideration
at a meeting of the Board. In such a case, no decision shall be made until
there has been a meeting of the Board. (6) The validity of any proceedings of the Board shall not be
affected by any vacancy among the membership or by any defect in the
appointment of a member. 6.–(1) Minutes in proper form of each meeting of the Board shall be
kept, and confirmed by the Board at the next meeting and signed by the
person presiding at the meeting. (2) The Registrar shall be the Secretary to the Board, attend and keep
minutes of the meetings of the Board and perform such other duties as
the Board may require. 7. Subject to this Schedule and to any regulations made under this Act,
the Board may regulate its own procedure. 8.

duties as
the Board may require. 7. Subject to this Schedule and to any regulations made under this Act,
the Board may regulate its own procedure. 8.

The seal of the Board shall not be affixed to any instrument except
in the presence of the Chairman or the Vice-Chairman and one other
member of the Board. SECOND SCHEDULE
[Repealed by Act No. 13 of 2017 s. 33]
Quorum at
meetings of
Board
Minutes of
meetings and
appointment of
Secretary
Procedure
Seal of Board